He continued in partnership with Mr. Meeker until the 16th of June, 1810; during which time, he amassed sufficient capital to enable him to embark in business on his own account.
He was married to Miss Zilpha Mack, in August, 1811, by the Rev. Jonathan Nash. He soon arranged his affairs, and opened an extensive store for the times, and was unusually successful in all his undertakings. Subsequently, he entered extensively into the cotton manufacturing business, which he pursued with varied success to the time of his decease. As he became known abroad, his rare business talents developed themselves, and he was often called upon to exercise them in the settlement of other people's affairs. There were few men in the country who could keep pace with him in the various combinations of numbers as they presented themselves in the operations of business; and the Hon. Silas Wright, (who was ever acknowledged as a superior arithmetician) with whom he once had occasion to come in contact in the settlement of a long and complicated set of accounts, remarked, that he was the only man he had ever met with, whose rapidity of computation was such, that he could not easily follow. It frequently seemed as if he jumped at conclusions without an effort. He would often take a bond upon which endorsements upon endorsements had been made, in time and out of time, and comparatively without thought or mental effort, and with but an occasional figure, set down the correct result.
While he lived, perhaps there was not his equal in the transaction of business in the State, certainly not in our county. Possessed of an iron constitution, he would sit more hours at a table than any other person would be willing to; and if within the range of any reasonable time, would not rise until what was to be done was accomplished.
Promptitude, dispatch, forecast, celerity and accuracy, being prevailing elements of his character, he would accomplish more labor within a given time, than any one known to the circle in which he acted.
He was remarkable for the versatility of his powers, and could readily turn his attention from one kind of business to another; and, while some persons would spend hours in doubt as to what should next be done, he would dispose of what presented itself, and again be in readiness for something new. If there was a knotty, tangled set of accounts to straighten and unravel, he was the man of all others selected to perform the work, and the more complicated the affair, the more acceptable to him; and what was very remarkable, he usually settled difficulties of this nature to the satisfaction of all concerned. From the integrity of his character and his acknowledged uprightness of conduct, he was often called upon to administer upon extensive and complicated estates, and with the most undeviating honesty, disposed of the several interests, not only agreeable to the law of the land, but to the admiration of all parties. As a business man, in all of his transactions he was of the most uncorrupt and approved integrity; and during a great part of his life, was extensively engaged in those multiform transactions, which test the character and give its true image to the world. No man can rise up and say, that he ever practiced deception or fraud, or sought to turn the necessities of others to his own advantage. This trait of his character was understood wherever he was known. It secured for him the confidence of all; and it is but justice to his character to say, that confidence was never abused. His highest aim was to the utmost of his power to do what was right between man and man. It is no extravagant praise to say of him, that as a business man, he was not excelled; but it was not in this sphere alone, that his talents and character shone most conspicuous.
For a period of forty years, he was a resident of Manlius Village,
and during all that time, he was strictly identified with its growth and
various improvements. His interest in the general welfare was shown
by his liberal pecuniary contributions to every worthy object, and he was
unsparing of his laborious personal exertions to the accomplishment of
the public good. There is not a religious society in the village,
but owes him a debt of lasting gratitude, for sacrifices and personal exertions
made in their behalf. In him the cause of education always found
a tried friend and ready supporter, upon all occasions. The Sunday
school found in him a teacher and adviser--the district school, a promoter
and active supporter--Manlius Academy, a founder and a friend--colleges
and theological seminaries, an admirer and patron; and it is no common
praise to say, that at the time of his decease, he was a trustee of the
district school where he resided, a trustee of Manlius Academy, a trustee
of Hamilton College, and a trustee of Auburn Theological Seminary; a circumstance
which exhibits the interest he took in the cause of education, and the
confidence placed in him by others. It is remarkable that he was
at the same time a trustee of an institution of each grade in our educational
system.
He was a man of the most untiring industry and energy of purpose.
Industry with him was a confirmed habit--a necessity of his nature, and
no man ever practiced a more strict economy of time, or turned it to better
account. During his evenings and leisure moments, he drew around
him his family, and engaged in the business of teaching or study; and it
was at intervals of leisure, in the bosom of his family, surrounded by
his sons, that he stored his mind with a tolerable knowledge of the Latin,
Greek and French languages, and those higher branches of English education
of which he had not gained a knowledge at an earlier period of life.
In fact, every moment of time was employed, about something useful; hence
he became, without the aid of schools, a man of varied knowledge, and although
engaged in extensive business, he found time to store his mind with the
treasures of ancient and modern literature and science. Distinguished
by superior gifts of mind--by a ready and retentive memory--by strength
and penetration of intellect, he would almost at a glance, master the most
abstruse subjects, with the readiness of an accomplished scholar, and often
surprise the professed philosopher, or divine, or lawyer, or scholar, with
his familiar knowledge, in their exclusive departments. In regard
to these qualities and acquirements, he was a shining example to the youth
who survive him, as illustrative of what may be accomplished by application
and industry, not only in the common affairs of life, but in those higher
employments of literature and science, which elevate individual worth,
and tend to exalt and magnify mankind.
In regard to his religious views, he was liberal and generous in his feelings towards Christians of all denominations, and respected the character more than the name. Although a living member of the Presbyterian Church, his kind was fixed upon doing good to all men, without regard to sects or creeds, and he cherished a far higher and stronger regard for the essential doctrines and duties of Christianity, than for professions and names. He rejoiced in the prosperity of all denominations; yea, the whole human race. All worthy benevolent enterprises found in him a firm friend and ready patron. Bible societies, tract societies, missionary societies, and educational societies, were largely indebted to him for his efficient and liberal support.
While he was liberal to others, he was frugal in regard to personal gratifications, and a prominent trait in his character was self-denial, and few men with his means at command, and so liberal for the comfort of others, expended so little for the meat that perisheth. Few men had as strict and consistent a regard for the Sabbath and holy institutions, as he had. Always a regular attendant upon public worship himself, his example was followed by those under his influence.
Mr. Smith, from his ability and eminent qualifications, was often
selected for important offices and trusts. In 1814, he was selected
as one of the Trustees of the public lot of the town of Manlius, and as
such assisted in effecting its original survey and sale. At this
time the town lot was in a most deplorable state, and to his unwearied
exertions is owing our present flourishing town school fund, arising from
the sale of the lot. Although an adherent to the political party
which was usually in the minority in the town of Manlius, he was often
chosen Supervisor in opposition to the wishes of some of his more numerous
political opponents.
In 1824, he was elected one of the Presidential Electors, and
as such, cast his vote for John Quincy Adams. He was a member of
the State Legislature in the years 1838, 1839, 1840, and was associated
with Victory Birdseye, Phares Gould, James R. Lawrence, and James L. Voorhees,
of our county.
In 1838, he was placed on the Committee on Claims. This was considered the most arduous committee in the House. Mr. Smith was charged with the laboring oar, and during all the session was incessant in his labors, and contributed materially in lessening the number of canal claims, which had not been previously disposed of. He was also at this session appointed one of the Committee on Prisons and Penitentiaries, which Committee visited the State Prisons and Penitentiaries throughout the State, and suggested many valuable reforms, which were adopted. In 1839, he was appointed Chairman of the Committee on Claims. The business of the Committee this year, was uncommonly arduous. Claims were still pressing for adjustments, the Committee were overrun with applicants, and it required no common share of discrimination, to do justice to the State and to the claimants. In 1840, he was on the select Committee for the extension of time for the collection of taxes. He was also on the Committee on the internal affairs of towns and counties. He was also on several select committees, on all of which he was actively engaged, and bore, in all their transactions, a conspicuous part.
Throughout his long and active life, wherever he was found, there was found a leading spirit. He was an example of Christian morality, zealous in the cause of benevolence and philanthropy, compassionate to those in affliction, and especially to the widow and the fatherless, who felt that they had abundant cause to mourn the loss of one who had ever been unwearied in their care. He was distinguished for his enterprise and liberality of character, and for his devotedness to the public good. He was active and useful to the last, and although for two or three years, he felt that his bodily powers were giving way, and yielding to the insidious encroachments of age and disease, he labored on, so long as his strength would permit, and it was not till he was prostrate upon his bed, that he released himself from active exertion. For several weeks previous to his death, he was unable to transact business, but at length rallied and resolved to visit physicians abroad. He went to New Haven, his disease proved obstinate, and he expired in that city on the 12th of November, 1846, aged sixty-two--full of years and full of honors. The news was communicated, by telegraph, to Syracuse, and from there directly to Manlius by express. The entire community was overwhelmed by the intelligence. It was a time of general mourning. The Trustees of the village, of which board he was a member, and the Trustees of Manlius Academy held meetings, and passed appropriate resolutions of condolence and sorrow, and the village, en masse, poured out their hearts in a public meeting, expressive of their sympathies and grief. A large committee was appointed to escort the remains from the rail-road, which was amply responded to, and hundreds availed themselves of this opportunity to express their regard and respect for the distinguished dead. As the procession approached the village, in the darkness of the night, hundreds of lights in the hands of anxious expectants, lined the walks, and were seen moving around with silent and mournful solemnity, and all fell into the procession, presenting a scene which can never be forgotten by those who witnessed its peculiar effect. On Sunday the corpse was buried; the procession formed amidst a drenching rain, and a covering of umbrellas was made almost without interruption, from his late dwelling house to the Episcopal church, where the funeral services were held, after which his remains were conveyed to the tomb, amidst the sorrows and tears of the entire community. His bright example will long live in the minds of those who knew him.
From the scenes of his useful labors, from all the tender ties of consanguinity, he has passed away. The clods of the valley cover all of him that was mortal, and his remains are the silent tenants of the tomb. Although returning springs may give fresh bloom to his memory, no early summer can rekindle, with genial warmth, the vital spark. A heavenly season will impart to them a living principle, and the flower which Time destroyed, shall flourish in unfading beauty throughout Eternity.
At the age fifteen, he resolved upon securing the benefits of a thorough education. His father not being in possession of a fortune sufficient for securing so valuable a blessing to a numerous family, he was by fortuitous circumstances, thrown entirely upon his own resources. By perseverance, application and industry, he secured the means of acquiring a complete classical education by his personal efforts, and finally graduated with distinguished honor, at Yale College, in the class of 1803.
Directly after the completion of his classical course, he entered
the law office of Messrs. Hotchkiss & Simons, at Clinton, Oneida County,
where he continued until his professional studies were concluded, when
he was admitted to the Bar. In 1807, he located at New Hartford,
Oneida County, opened a law office and there continued the practice, till
sometime in 1811, when he removed to Manlius village and entered into partnership
with James O. Wattles, Esq., which partnership, after a short period was
dissolved.
From his activity of mind, acute legal penetration, profound
investigation and untiring devotion to the interests of his clients, he
soon became distinguished as a lawyer, which drew to his office many of
the most important causes which were to be tried in the courts of the county,
and in the Supreme Court, and Court of Chancery, of the State of New-York,
and perhaps no one labored with more assiduity, or was more successful,
in maintaining the causes in which he was retained as counsel. Endowed
by nature, with mental powers of a high order, which were eminently improved
by study, industry and perseverance, he abhorred all deceit and chicanery
in business matters, incident to a lower order of minds, and was entirely
above the low ambition of securing to himself a great number of clients,
by misrepresentation or artifice. His ambition, (if we may be allowed
the expression,) was grounded in integrity, and in a desire to excel in
his profession. Mr. Randall excelled in that most exalted of all
qualities--sound, sterling common sense, which, with his acknowledged candor
and urbanity, gave him an uncommon influence with the Bench and with juries;
which few men, however much they might have surpassed him in fluency of
speech or oratorical arts, attained.
The character of Mr. Randall's genius, was original. He acted and thought for himself. With a mind, independent and decisive, he copied after no man, and it is no mean proof of the strength and solidity of his judgment, that his counsel was so often sought, and received with so much deference, and his professional celebrity stood so high. As he had ability to think, so had he also, the moral courage to follow the convictions of his own mind. But these faculties in a man actively engaged in the business of life, failed not to bring him into collision with many, who had not the judgment or discrimination to appreciate his motives, or honesty enough to commend his decided course. These transcendent principles, however, could not fail to impart to himself, and his immediate friends, the highest sources of enjoyment, and he often had the satisfaction of receiving the gratulations of those who from prejudice or ignorance, made erroneous estimates of his motives.
The arduous duties of his profession, did not prevent his engaging in agricultural pursuits. In his youth, he had been inured to the labors of a farm, and in after years, from choice, entered into both the theoretical and practical operations of agriculture, with all the zeal and ardor of one depending entirely upon its results, for profit and support. His farm, though small, was a pattern of neatness, order and thrift, and none knew better or practiced more perfectly the principles of this science; presenting an example in the highest degree encouraging to useful industry. His garden was stored with trees of choicest fruit, planted by his own hand, and the sweetest flowers shed their fragrant odors around his dwelling, nurtured by his care.
Mr. Randall was always among the foremost in aiding and advancing the cause of education, in all its various branches, and was active in effecting the incorporation of Manlius Academy, and was one of its principal founders.
In private life, Mr. Randall was social, amiable and agreeable, and although the requirements of business occupied much of his time, there were few men who could, with more dignity and grace, contribute to the refined enjoyments of the social circle, or afford more rational and solid information, upon the varied subjects with which he was familiar. He was endowed with a vein of pleasantry, which occasionally evinced itself in the humorous, yet never detracted from his dignity. His friends always perfectly at ease with him, were never known to treat him with degrading familiarity. Their regard and respect for him equally forbade it. His conversation was stately, instructive and delightful; his deportment dignified and gentlemanly, and his character without reproach.
In his Christian character, he was remarkable for his zeal, prudence and fidelity. He took not his creed upon trust. He weighed the claims of Revelation, and the various branches of the Christian family; and in the preference which he gave to the communion of his adoption, he acted upon the sober dictates of an enlightened judgment and an honest heart. Hence, as might have been expected, he continued without wavering, steadfast unto the end.
For many years, he filled the stations of vestryman, and warden of the Protestant Episcopal Church at Manlius, the latter of which he held at the time of his death. His religious experience, in view of his approaching dissolution, partook of the same rational nature. Harassed by no fears without, and an approving conscience within, he calmly resigned his soul to the hands of his Maker, without any anxiety as to the issue.
After a long and tedious illness, which he bore with truly Christian fortitude, he died at his residence, in Manlius Village, on the 7th of March, 1836, in the fifty-seventh year of his age. The mournful intelligence was every where received with feelings of sorrow and regret. The Bar of Onondaga County, called a meeting, and passed the following resolutions of condolence and respect:
At a meeting of the members of the Bar of the county of Onondaga, held at the Court-House, in the village of Syracuse, on the 29th day of March, A. D. 1836, for the purpose of paying a tribute of respect to the memory of Nicholas P. Randall, Esq., one of the members of said Bar, recently deceased, the Hon. Daniel Moseley, Judge of the Seventh Circuit, was called to the Chair, assisted by their Honors, John Watson, George Petit and Otis Bigelow, Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of said county, and J. G. Forbes, Esq., was appointed Secretary.
James R. Lawrence, Esq., from a Committee appointed by the Chair, consisting of Messrs. Lawrence, Watson, Birdseye, and Jewett, reported the following resolutions, which were unanimously adopted:
Resolved, That the member of the Court and Bar of the county of
Onondaga, have received, with painful emotions, information of the death
of Nicholas P. Randall, Esq., for many years a prominent member of the
Bar of this county.
Resolved, That the high legal and scientific attainments, and
the uniform fidelity and ability which Mr. Randall devoted to the maintenance
and protection of the rights and interests of his clients, and to the elucidation
of law and equity, have deservedly gained for him a high standing, in a
useful and honorable profession; and while we deplore his death as a public
loss, we sympathize with his family and friends, that they have been called
upon to part with one long endeared to them, not only by eminent public
usefulness, but by high moral qualities, and an amiable domestic character.
Resolved, That these resolutions be signed by the Chairman and Secretary of this meeting--that by permission they be entered upon the minutes of the Court, and a copy be transmitted by his Honor, the Circuit Judge, to the family of the deceased, and also that they be published in the newspapers of the county. DANIEL MOSELEY, Chairman.
J. G. FORBES, Secretary."
The loss of so distinguished a man, necessarily created deep sensations in the community in which he had lived, and to whom he had become endeared.
The house of mourning was surrounded by his neighbors and numerous friends, who could scarcely credit the reality of his death. The funeral obsequies were prepared, and his remains conveyed to the tomb, amid all the solemnities that respond to the deepest sorrow, with which every heart was afflicted by this dispensation of providence. His career has left us a splendid and animating example, which points the way to usefulness and fame, and shows how great are the acquirements which well directed perseverance and industry are able to achieve, and what honors and rewards are the happy results.
MANLIUS.--The first white settler within the township of Manlius, was Mr. Benjamin Morehouse, in 1789; and according to the best information that can be obtained, the first in the present town of Manlius, was Mr. David Tripp, who came here with his family from Ballston, Saratoga County, in 1790. He lived in a log house, about a mile north-west from Manlius Village, not far from where Mr. Salmon Sherwood now resides. Far from the abode of any white man, it was with the greatest difficulty he could procure a sufficiency for subsistence till he could raise it from the soil by his own labor. At one time it is said, the only article of food which his family had for three months, excepting wild roots and milk, was a bushel of corn which he procured at Herkimer, and brought home on his back. The father of David Tripp died at his house in the spring of 1792, and was buried on the rising ground west of Mr. Samuel Gregory's barn. This was undoubtedly the first death of a white person within the township of Manlius.
The next settler was Mr. Conrad Lour, who located near Mr. Tripp, and erected the first frame house in town, in 1792. He brought the floor boards from Palatine, and other boards from Danforth's mill. Not having a sufficient quantity of nails, his son was sent to Oriskany, thirty-three miles, after some, and returned with forty-six pounds on his back. The house then erected, constitutes part of the dwelling now occupied by Salmon Sherwood.
Mr. Caleb Pratt came to the town of Manlius in 1793, and when
living remarked, that the inhabitants were so destitute of provisions and
the common necessaries of life, that the lank, lean sided, long necked
mice, would come peeping into the crevices of the log houses, and shed
tears of sorrow at the poverty of the inmates, and retire without finding
a crumb to satisfy their longing appetites.
Capt. Joseph Williams came to Manlius in 1795, from Connecticut.
He cut, cleared and fenced, five acres of land the first summer entirely
alone. He bought his land at twenty shillings per acre. The
next year he removed his family on a sled, with a yoke of oxen, and was
eight days coming from Galway, Saratoga County, one hundred and twenty
miles. He had erected a rude cottage beforehand. When he arrived,
he had but fifty cents cash. Wheat was worth three dollars and a
half per bushel, corn one dollar and a half, and common calico seventy-five
cents per yard. But industry and frugality soon increased the domestic
store; the wants of the family were not only supplied, but an abundance
was raised to spare to the needy settlers as they arrived, and plenty crowned
their board. Mr. Williams lived long to enjoy the fruits of his labor
and toil.
Colonel Elijah Phillips, at an early day, occupied the farm now owned by Mr. Peter R. Reed, and held a distinguished position among the early pioneers of the county.
Mr. Wm. Ward settled on lot ninety-seven , in the spring of 1793, and he was sole owner and proprietor of that lot in 1794; and that year he was appointed a Justice of the Peace. He erected grist and saw mills on the Limestone Creek. This was the first grist mill built in the town of Manlius, as now organized. A saw mill was built earlier, at the old mills. Joseph Woodward was the master builder of Ward's mills. At an early day, before dams impeded the streams, salmon, salmon-trout and pickerel were very plentiful. The Limestone Creek was a favorite resort for them, and many instances like the following, are still related with great glee by the early settlers. To give an idea with what facility they were taken, as we have been informed, it was not unfrequent to run them into shoal water, and dispatch them with clubs. One of the Mrs. Tripps, while assisting her husband in making hay near the creek, struck her pitchfork through a very large salmon, and held him fast till her husband came to her aid and killed it with a stone. A man in the employ of Mr. Wm. Ward, on going to the creek one morning to wash, saw a large salmon floundering in shoal water, and dispatched him with a club. Col. John Sprague, now of Fayetteville, then a youth, on a walk from his residence in Pompey, on an errand to Manlius Village, drove a shoal of salmon into a hastily constructed enclosure, and secured a back-load of them with his hands, and carried them home in triumph.
Manlius was at first number seven of the Military Townships. At the organization of the county, in 1794, the town of Manlius was bounded north by the township of Cicero; east by the Oneida Reservation; south by Pompey, and west by Onondaga Creek, Lake and River, including all the Onondaga and Salt Springs Reservations, north of the old Genesee road, and east of Onondaga Creek, comprehending all the present towns of Manlius, De Witt, part of Onondaga, and part of Salina. It was finally reduced to its present territorial limits in 1835. Let it here be observed, that the original townships were intended to contain each one hundred lots, and each lot at least six hundred acres of land. But by an error in the calculations of the Surveyor General, the township of Cicero, as originally laid out, contained but ninety-nine lots, which error was not detected till the commissioner had commenced the drawing. It so happened that lot one hundred, township of Cicero, was drawn by a soldier, and lot number seven, township of Manlius, adjoining ninety-nine, Cicero, was drawn for the Literature Fund. In order to do the soldier justice, lot number seven, Manlius, was transferred and registered as lot one hundred, Cicero. By this maneuver, Manlius was shorn of one lot of its territory, and Literature of so much of its fund, but the soldier's land was saved to him. The first town meeting was held at the tavern of Benjamin Morehouse, in the town of Manlius, 1st of April, 1794. Although scattering families had located in different parts of the town during 1791-92 and '93, it was not till the following years that Manlius acquired a name abroad, and settlers looked towards it as a suitable and desirable place of residence. The first and earliest inhabitants of this town were mostly here from the Mohawk River. A reference to the first town meeting will serve to show who most of the principal inhabitants of the town were at that time.
At the meeting held at Benjamin Morehouse's tavern for the first election of town officers, Cyrus Kinne, Esq., was chosen Chairman, and Levi Jerome, Secretary. It was resolved to choose the Supervisor and Town Clerk by ballot, and the remaining officers by holding up the right hand. The ballots being handed in, the Chairman declared Comfort Tyler duly elected Supervisor, and Levi Jerome Town Clerk. There were but forty-two voters present at this meeting. Overseers of the Poor, were David Williams and Benjamin Morehouse; Commissioners of Roads, Charles Merriam, Elijah Phillips and Ryal Bingham; Assessors, Reuben Patterson, Ichabod Lathrop, Isaac Van Vleck, William Ward and Timothy Teall; Constables and Collectors, Caleb Pratt and David Baker; Overseers or Roads, Libbeus Foster, William Ward, Ichabod Lathrop, Reuben Patterson, Cyrus Kinne, Ryal Bingham, Jeremiah Jackson, Gershom Breed and Lemuel Hall; Fence Viewers, Aaron Wood, Elijah Phillips, John Danforth, Jeremiah Jackson. At this meeting, a bounty of four pounds was ordered for any person presenting to the Supervisor of the town, the scalp of a full grown wolf, and thirty shillings for the scalp of one under one year old. At this early day, with neighbors from three to five miles apart, hogs running at large were considered troublesome, and the inhabitants passed a good old New-England resolution in the following words: "that no hog shall go at large without a stout ring in his nose, and a yoke about his neck, extending above the depth of his neck, and half the depth below."
The first common school commissioners for the town, were chosen in 1797, and Charles Moseley, Daniel Campbell and Isaac Van Vleck, took upon them the charge of regulating common schools. A special committee was chosen to co-operate with the commissioners, and were directed to proceed to a division of the town into school districts. Gershom Breed, Elijah Phillips, Jeremiah Jackson, and Caleb Pratt, were said committee. No regular proceedings of these commissioners or committeemen is to be found on record; and the first organization of school districts was very imperfectly made in the years 1810 and 1811. They have since, in 1835, been more systematically organized.
In 1798, a vote was taken at the annual town meeting, to ascertain the propriety of having the Gospel and School lot settled. Lot seventy-four, Manlius, had been set apart by the Surveyor General, for Gospel and School purposes. The vote was decided affirmatively. In 1800, John Sweeting, Supervisor, and Timothy Teall, Town Clerk, were directed to take charge of the town lot. From this time till 1810, the public lot was most shamefully pillaged and plundered, and was entirely unproductive. Notwithstanding all that could possibly be done by the Trustees, it was found next to impossible to collect rents; and finally the occupants began to think themselves the real owners. At the time of its sale, some three hundred acres had been stript of its timber and left without fence, or the means and materials of which to make one, notwithstanding pine, oak and elm timber enough had been wasted to build a town. In 1811, Abijah Yelverton was chosen Commissioner of the public lot, who, with the Supervisor and Town Clerk, were directed to make such discretionary arrangements for its preservation and safety as they should see fit. It was leased or farmed out for three or four years, and finally was sold by the town, May, 2d, 1814, for twelve thousand one hundred and fourteen dollars forty-two cents. When De Witt was set off from Manlius, the school fund was divided, and Manlius received for its share, seven thousand seven hundred and fifty-two dollars forty-two cents. The annual income of this fund, which is five hundred and forty-two dollars and sixty-seven cents, is annually divided among the districts within the present town of Manlius.
MANLIUS VILLAGE.--Without doubt, Mr. John A. Shaeffer was the first settler in Manlius Village. He commenced his residence here in 1792, built a log house, very near where the Episcopal church now stands. He, like many other of the early settlers of this county, soon after opened a tavern and sold a few goods, to satisfy the very limited wants of the scattered inhabitants. In the year 1794, a son was born to Mrs. Shaeffer, which was undoubtedly the first birth in the village. He was named Baron Steuben, in honor of the famous General of that name, who about this time, spent a night at the house of Mr. Shaeffer, on his way out to Salt Point, with Gen. Stephen Van Rensselaer and Gen. Wm. North. The circumstances of this visit have been related to the author as follows:
On the return of the party from Salt Point, whither they had been to select a site for a block house; they spent the night at the house of John A. Shaeffer, Esq., "inn keeper," at Manlius. The guests were considerably fatigued with their journey, and the labors of their important trust, and retired early to rest. During the night, there seemed to be an unusual stir about the house, and as the hour of midnight approached, it still increased, and before morning, transpired one of those unpostponable events incident to all prosperous and increasing families. The Baron was greatly annoyed during the night, so that he scarcely slept a wink. The frequent shutting of doors, continual tramping of busy feet, and hushed sounds of female voices, which were greatly magnified by the Baron's nervousness and the importance of progressing events, kept his mind in a continual tumult.
The house was built of logs, only one story high, with two rooms below; the chamber being the whole size of the house, with only loose boards for a floor, and accessible by no other means than a ladder. This chamber was occupied by the distinguished guests of Mr. Shaeffer. The companions of the hero of this tale slept soundly, but not so the Baron. He often turned himself on his bed of straw, seeking rest and finding none, continually wondering what on earth could excite such wonderful commotion, and he finally worked himself into an almost uncontrollable passion, which could scarcely be restrained till morning. On the earliest approach of light, the Baron rose, still in his rage, vowing vengeance on all below. He approached the redoubtable landlord in not the most agreeable humor, saying, "your house is full of gossips and goblins, sir; I hav'nt slept a wink all the blessed night; you have a pack of dogs about you noisy enough to deafen one. Sir, I repeat; your house is full of gossips and goblins. Sir, your house isn't fit to stable swine. Give us breakfast, let us be off, and we'll not trouble you again." The Baron's rage was at its height. Mine host was perfectly dumb-founded before his enraged and angry guest, and dared not lift his head, or hint the cause of the disturbance during the night. But soon, to give relief to his troubled mind, a woman approached the angry Baron, who was still breathing forth threatenings and storm, bearing in her arms an infant, who had not yet witnessed the setting of a single sun, saying, "here, Sir Baron, is the cause of all the trouble and noise last night." The gallant old soldier instantly felt the impropriety of his conduct, his habitual good humor was instantly restored, his accustomed gallantry prompted him at once handsomely to apologize, at the same time begging ten thousand pardons of those around him. He tendered his most hearty congratulations to Mr. Shaeffer and his wife, and offered to bestow his own name on the new visitant, which offer was accepted, and forthwith the Baron drew a deed of gift for two hundred and fifty acres of land, from his domain in Oneida, and after breakfast, with his friends, went on his way rejoicing.
Mr. Charles Mulholland, was probably the next settler after Mr. Shaeffer. He lived first in a log house very near Mr. Ewer's present residence. Mr. Mulholland owned a considerable share of lot ninety-eight, and a Mr. Leonard came in possession of the greater part of lot eighty-seven, which was occupied by Aaron Wood, Esq. The south-east corner of lot eighty-six was occupied by Mr. Cunningham, who lived a little east of the late Sumner Whitney's residence. William Ward, owned the whole of lot ninety-seven, and resided near Perry's mill. These four lots, be it observed, corner in the village of Manlius, in the house now occupied by Mrs. Perry, opposite and south of Charles Smith's store. Afterwards, Mr. Jabez Cobb, came in possession of one hundred and fifty acres of land in the south-west corner of lot eighty-seven, and kept the tavern after Mr. Shaeffer for a number of years. Charles Mosely came to Manlius, in 1796, purchased of Mr. Cobb, in 1802 or 1803, and sold a great part of the village lots on Pleasant and Seneca streets, east of the line of the original lot. The first permanent store opened in Manlius Village, was kept by a Mr. Dickout, in 1795, in the first frame building erected in the village. It stood about where the ditch is now, in front of the south-east corner of Charles Smith's store. Ebenezer Calkins sold goods from a temporary building, near the Limestone Factory boarding house. He traded principally with the Indians. Samuel Edwards kept the first school in the village, in Mr. Calkins' shop. The first school house was built of logs, in 1798, and stood just north of Midlar's mill. The first name given to the settlement was Liberty Square, by Charles Mulholland, in 1800 or 1801; it was at the raising of Mr. McLaren's barn. After the frame was up, those who assisted at the raising, paraded themselves on the front plate, named the village Liberty Square, gave three hearty cheers, and threw off a corked bottle of spirits. This is what, in those days, was called the christening of a place or building. There were but six dwellings here, at that time, one store and one tavern. The name Liberty Square, was retained but a short time, and soon became more generally known by the name of Manlius Square. The distinguished Ornithologist, Alexander Wilson, in his journal of a tour through western New-York, in November, 1804, mentions having spent a miserable night at a village called Manlius Square, of about thirty houses. There, he says, he was obliged to sing nearly the whole night, to drown the melancholy groans of his disconsolate companion, who could scarcely make his way through the snow and mud. He spent a day here, collecting specimens of birds, and other information. The annual meetings of the town of Manlius, after Onondaga was set off, were held at the house of John Delany, in Manlius Village, for three years, and afterwards, at the house of Cyrus Kinne, at the Corners, now Fayetteville.
Alvan Marsh settled here as a lawyer, in 1798, and Doct. Sturtevant, as a physician, in 1796. The next lawyers after Mr. Marsh, were R. R. Phelps, Abijah Yelverton, James O. Wattles, N. P. Randall, S. L. Edwards and others. Physicians, James Jackson and Walter Colton, who all became residents from 1802 to 1806; afterwards, H. L. Granger, Wm. Taylor, H. B. Moore. Dr. Deodatus Clark resided in Manlius, in 1812.
Sylvenus Tousley, commenced blacksmithing in 1800, and the Mulhollands were considered the principal land holders in the neighborhood. Merritt Clark and Moses Johnson, were merchants here, in 1806; and Azariah Smith, in 1807, commenced the mercantile business, in company with John Meeker, in the building now occupied by E. E. May as a dwelling. Mr. Meeker was an extensive trader at that time, having stores in different sections of the country, was then considered both prudent and sagacious, and the greatest merchant in western New-York. Mr. Meeker subsequently carried on a flourishing business in the old block, formerly standing a little west of the Episcopal church. Messrs. James & Cummings commenced trading in the building now occupied by Elijah Tryon, in 1805, and pursued a lucrative business for several years. The late Wm. Malcolm, of Syracuse, was a clerk to them. This building was erected by Moses Johnson. Previous to 1806, Messrs. Ellis, Livingston, McDougald, McLaren and Dennison, were merchants on a small scale, in addition to those already before mentioned, and a man by the name of John Smith, kept a small assortment of wares about this time. The formidable name of John Smith was rather more common then than now. Manlius Village and vicinity, could boast of no less than four, and they were distinguished by the appellations of long John, blind John, cross John and John stout.
Mr. Johnson built the Red Mills in 1804, which were then considered a stupendous work. His interest in the mills and other property passed into the hands of Mr. William Gardner, well known to many of our citizens as Deacon Gardner, father of the late Lieutenant Governor, and Mrs. Elijah Rhoades. He prosecuted business on an extensive scale, purchased a patent right for the manufacturing of nails, and erected a nail factory at considerable cost. He was afterwards succeeded by his sons, William and Charles.
Luther Bingham was appointed Post Master for Manlius in 1800; he kept the office at his house, which stood on the ground now occupied by Lyman Spear. He was succeeded by Robert Wilson* in 1803, who kept the office for a number of years in the house which once stood where the widow Williams now lives. Mr. Wilson was succeeded by Doctor Hezekiah L. Granger, Nathan Williams, D. B. Bickford, Joseph Rhoades and John Grinnell, Esqrs.
The first knowledge we have of any thing like a congregation of
Episcopalians in this vicinity, is in the years 1798-99, &c., at which
time the families of Messrs. David Green, John Roberts, Jonathan Hurd,
___ Ward, ___ Dodge and others, residents of the townships of Pompey and
Manlius, used to assemble at each others dwellings and conduct worship
after the Episcopal manner. The Rev. Mr. Nash first preached twice
as an Episcopalian clergyman at a private house (David Hibbard's) in Pompey.
Rev. Davenport Phelps came on directly after, a Missionary, and
often preached at Manlius, Eagle Village, Morehouse's Flats, and Onondaga,
1802, 1803, 1804, and 1806. In January, 1804, the Episcopal Church
was at first organized under the Rev. Davenport Phelps, Missionary.
Rev. A. G. Baldwin, Missionary, 1809, Rev. Parker Adams, first Rector 1810,
Rev. William A. Clark, 1811; church building erected 1813, since which
the following clergy have had charge over it: Rev. Messrs. Clark,
Pardee, Bulkley, Dyer, Hickox, Selkrig, Hollister, Pound, Appleton, Davis,
Pise, and Gay.
Several Congregational, Presbyterian and Baptist societies were organized in the town of Manlius, during the years 1798, 1799, 1800, 1801, 1802 and 1803 under the Rev. Hugh Wallace, Rev. Seth Williston, and Elders Campbell and Breed. The citizens of Manlius Village during those years, many of them attended meeting at the "Old Mills." The Presbyterian Society in the village was organized at an early day, and erected their house of worship in 1816.
Their ministers have been Rev. Messrs. Davenport, Johnson, Reed, Olds, Hopkins, Woodruff, Cushman, Kellogg, Ingersoll, Bates, Smith, Benedict, Slocum, Platt and Hastings. Baptist Society erected their house of worship 1827. Clergy, Rev. Messrs. Morton, Bellamy, McCarthy, Spalding, Smith.
The Methodist ministers in this place have been numerous, and
subject to annual and biennial change, are not named.
The first wedding in the present town of Manlius, and in the
village of Manlius, was Mr. Nicholas Phillips to Miss Caty Garlock, January
14, 1793. They were married by Moses De Witt, Esq.
FAYETTEVILLE.--Joshua Knowlton and Origen Eaton came here in 1791, and made some clearing. Cyrus Kinne, Esq., settled here the year following. Mr. Kinne was the first blacksmith who carried on the business in the township, and for several years was quite a distinguished man.
In 1801, Carey Coats opened a tavern, and when he applied for a license to the Board of Excise, stated upon oath, that he had two spare beds, and stable room for two span of horses or two yoke of oxen. A license was rather reluctantly granted him. But it was afterwards positively ascertained that he had not beds sufficient comfortably to lodge even his own family. The presiding officer of the Board of Excise, remonstrated with the new tavern keeper on the impropriety of his conduct. He asserted that he had told nothing but the truth, and referred the officer to his father-in-law, who said he was sure his son-in-law had two spare beds, for on the morning on which he applied for a license, he saw him make two beds in his garden, and they must be spare, as he could not borrow seed in the neighborhood to sow them.
John Delamater opened a store at this place in 1802. Cyrus
Kinne, Esq., built the first frame house in 1804. The settlement
was for a long time called the Corners, or Manlius Four Corners, but after
a Post Office was established, it received the name of Fayetteville, and
was extensively known for several years to the traveling public as the
village of four taverns, but no meeting house.
The first scattering settlers of this neighborhood were of the
Baptist denomination. A Church of this Society was formed as early
as 1800. Rev. Father Campbell was one of the first Baptist ministers
who officiated here. Rev. Elder Breed was also a devoted laborer
on this ground. The usual place for religious meetings was the school-house,
in what was commonly called the Upper District. The Presbyterian
was the first house of worship, erected in the year 1829, by the combined
efforts of all. The session-room was first finished and used for
religious purposes by all denominations. The Presbyterian house or
worship was dedicated in the winter of 1830, and admitted into the Presbytery
the same year, with the name and title of the "Presbyterian Church at Fayetteville."
The Rev. Mr. Cushman, of Manlius, was untiring in his efforts to build
up the Society in this place, usually officiating on Sunday evenings.
The same room was frequently occupied by Elder Breed, who at an earlier
day had preached statedly at the school-house.
The Methodist Society also held their meetings at the school-house,
and at the session-room of the Presbyterian house. The several houses
of worship, as they now exist, were erected and completed during the years
from 1829 to '33, except the Methodist Episcopal Society, which was built
in 1836, in exchange for the building first erected by them, and subsequently
sold to the Trustees of the Academy.
The Protestant Episcopal Church was organized in the year 1830; a building erected in 1831, and consecrated in 1832. Settled Clergymen have been, Rev. Messrs. Northrup, Engle, Windsor, Fenner, Bartlett, Hickox, Pise. These four religious denominations are very well sustained.
A work of considerable magnitude has been commenced by the citizens
of Fayetteville, and is nearly completed, which, when finished, may be
the means of making that village a large manufacturing town. A dike
or canal has been formed to receive all the water flowing in the Limestone
Creek. It commences at Hall's mill, and leads to the village.
A reservoir surrounding a beautiful artificial island, has been excavated
sufficient to contain a large body of water, near and above the projected
mill sites. A small but very durable stream, called the Bishop Brook,
has been turned from its natural channel, and led into the village by means
of logs of large bore, which will yield a power capable of turning machinery
of considerable magnitude.
Fayetteville, for many years, has been an excellent location
for the purchase of grain, particularly barley. In former years it
was not excelled by any place in the State in the first purchase of that
staple article. For the last two or three years there has been some
falling off, owing to the partial failure of the crop in this and the adjacent
towns.
SATAN'S KINGDOM--once eminently distinguished for the belligerent, litigious and pugnacious character of its inhabitants, took its then very significant name from a man who was continually at variance with his neighbors. After a long course of law proceedings with another neighbor, in which both had the worst of the case, one declared he would be king of the country. The other told him he was no more fit for a king to reign over that place, than Satan himself. The bystanders spontaneously declared the first, King Satan, and the settlement, from this time forward, was called Satan's Kingdom, which appellation it richly merited, and by which it was appropriately designated for a number of years. In 1814, the inhabitants called a meeting at the school-house, and resolved to change the name of Satan's Kingdom, to Pleasant Valley, and it was further resolved that the proceedings should be published in the Manlius Times, and that Mr. Smith Burton should be requested to accompany the same with a suitable poetic exposition of the reasons for changing the name. Accordingly the proceedings were published with the following verse:
"Since the King no longer sits on his Throne,
We, his name no longer will own,
But around the standard, we will rally,
Of peace, and call the place Pleasant Valley."
KIRKVILLE.--The settlement at Kirkville was commenced with the building of the canal. Mr. Cunningham opened a tavern there, and others gradually clustered around. In 1822, Edward Kirkland, a son of the late Hon. Joseph Kirkland, of Utica, settled on a large farm half a mile north-east of this settlement, and in 1824, was appointed Post Master. The settlement and Post Office were named Kirkville, in honor of him. Mr. Kirkland built the basin at his own expense, on the heel path side of the canal, put up a large store, and did considerable business there for a time.
BRIDGEPORT.--Messrs. Isaac and John Delamater made a settlement at the Chittenango Rifts or Rapids, as the place was then called, in 1802. Judge John Knowles, John Adams, Esq., and others, settled in that neighborhood about the same time. There is a sudden fall in the Chittenango Creek here of about ten feet, which yields an immense water power, which is very little employed. It is a famous place for taking suckers and other fish, early in the spring, and from this circumstance has been denominated the sucker bank. It was once a great place for taking salmon. It was not uncommon to take them from the nets weighing from twelve to twenty-five pounds. Before bridges were erected they were taken as high up as the Chittenango Falls, twenty miles above the outlet. Schooners of two hundred tons have been built and launched for the lake trade at Bridgeport, previous to the building of the canal.
HARTSVILLE--received its name from a Mr. Hart, who made a purchase of the water power at that place in 1811. He contemplated erecting glass works, flouring mill, &c., but finally sold to James A. Sherwood, who did not carry out the contemplated improvements.
EAGLE VILLAGE.--James Foster settled at this place on lot eighty-eight, in 1790, and directly opened a tavern, the first in the present town of Manlius. It was very early resorted to by others as a desirable place of residence, and once earnestly contested the palm for superiority with Manlius Village. Eagle Village could once boast of four physicians, three merchants, and two lawyers. Charles Mosely set up a store in 1793, where Giles Everson now lives. Elias Stilwell owned quite a large tract of land in the neighborhood at this time. A Mr. Staniford opened a tavern there soon after. Finally the store was abandoned, and Mr. Mosely traded awhile at Eagle Village, and eventually settled at Manlius Village, having spent a short time as clerk in Mr. Calkins' store near where the Limestone Factory now stands. Dr. Ward was the first settled physician in the present town of Manlius, and a respectable physician, and had an extensive practice. Dr. Fisk and Dr. Washburn once did a respectable business, and resided here; and the facetious Dr. Jonas Fay once purchased a lot here with intent to reside upon it, but did not. Charles B. Bristol commenced trading here as a merchant in 1804, and did a very extensive business. During the war of 1812, he acted as a distributing commissary, built the stone distillery in 1809; put up the first threshing machine in town or county; kept the finest garden in the county; drove the best team of eight horses known on the road, and for five or six years was considered one of the first merchants in the county. Amos P. Granger first commenced business at Eagle Village. Mr. Walker opened a law office in 1804. Asa Rice, a lawyer, kept an office there. Hon. James R. Lawrence was a clerk to him. A Mr. Smith afterwards kept a law office here for a short time, and also a Mr. Townsend. Jared Ludington opened a shoe shop in 1800. Libbeus Foster opened a tavern in 1794, in he house now occupied by Gershom Sherwood. It soon became one of the most celebrated taverns in western New-York. It contained a grand masonic hall, a grand dancing hall, and many other things to correspond.
In 1811, the Eagle Village Library was incorporated; about two hundred and fifty volumes were purchased, and afterwards some additions were made. This is one of the oldest circulating libraries in the county, and probably contains as good a collection of rare and valuable standard works, considering its numbers, as can be found in the English language. It was here that the first school was kept in the town of Manlius, by Samuel Edwards, in James Foster's barn. He had eight shillings per quarter per scholar, and boarded among the inhabitants. At this place occurred one of the most singular weddings on record. It was upon a training day, first Monday in June, 1795. A company training was held at Foster's tavern. The company were paraded in the open yard in front of Foster's house, a hollow square was formed, within which the wedding party marched and stood, and Cyrus Kinne, Esq., united, in the bonds of holy wedlock, Mr. Billy McKee and Miss Jenny Mulholland. Considering the simplicity of the times, the rare occurrence of such an event, the elevated position of the high contracting parties, and the practices then prevalent on such occasions, we cannot but infer, that the witnesses and all present must have had a most splendid jollification.
OLD MILLS.--In 1792 or '93, Elijah Phillips leased the property known as the old mills, the common, &c., of a Mr. Hamilton of Albany, for the term of sixty years. In '93, Mr. Phillips, David Williams, Aaron Wood and Walter Worden, erected a saw mill here, the first built in the present town of Manlius. David Williams soon sold his share, one-fourth, to Phineas Stevens, for sixty acres of land. In 1796, Butler & Phillips erected a grist mill, a little above the bridge, the stones and gearing having been previously provided by Mr. Hamilton. Clothing works and an oil mill were put in operation by Deacon Dunham afterwards, and a Mr. Jones kept a small store there, and Wm. Warner another, in 1811.
The first newspaper printed in the county of Onondaga, was entitled the "Derne Gazette," and was published by Abraham Romyen, in the village of Manlius. The first number was issued in the spring of 1806; but not receiving sufficient patronage and support, it was discontinued, after it had been published a little more than a year. The cause of the failure of the "Gazette'" was mainly owing to the fact, that at the time it was established, there being no other paper in the county, its editor refused to publish any political articles, except those of his own particular partisans of the old Federal school. Party feeling ran high in those days, and those who took sides with the Democrats, refused to patronize the paper at all, because its columns were not open to free discussion. The whole reading community then being small, one-half of it could not sustain Mr. Romyen. Another circumstance undoubtedly contributed to hasten its downfall. In the violence and bitterness occasioned by party feeling, and in taking a reckless course in willfully vilifying and scandalizing respectable candidates for office of the Democratic ranks, Mr. Romyen subjected himself to libel suits, which were decided against him. These things brought the "Gazette' into bad repute, it became odious to many; and to cap the climax, it was sarcastically styled the "Darn'd Gazette."
At the time the "Gazette" was established, an effort was made to change the name of the village of Manlius to that of Derne. At first the citizens acquiesced in the plan; but owing to circumstances just related, and the fact that Mr. Romyen proved to be a blustering swaggering sort of man, his paper became unpopular, as did the name by which it was known. It is thought by those few now living and acquainted with the circumstances, that had he proved himself a man of stamina and been liberal in his views and to his patrons, the village of Manlius would now be called "Derne." A newspaper called the "Herald of the Times," was next published by Leonard Kellogg. The first number was issued Tuesday, May 24th, 1808; terms two dollars per annum, or one dollar and fifty cents in advance. The size of the sheet was about ten by seventeen inches. One whole page of the "Herald of the Times" was open to the essays and effusions of the Democrats, and another to the Federals, allowing each party a fair chance in the strife. Four or five years afterwards, a newspaper was published at Onondaga called the "Lynx," when Mr. Kellogg changed the name of his paper, and it was called "The Manlius Times." Mr. Kellogg was a Federalist, and his paper after this was conducted under Federal principles. Mr. Kellogg's was a well conducted paper, its politics were high toned of the Pickering School.
Mr. Kellogg commanded an independent rifle corps, which was ordered into service in 1812 or 1813. This company was at the battle of Queenston, and were among the few brave militia who crossed the river. This company behaved with great gallantry during the engagement, and received the approbation and thanks of the commanding general.
Lieutenant William Gardner, and Ensign Grosvenor were his associates. The rank and file were mostly from Manlius Village and vicinity.
After a lapse of time, James Beardsley was admitted a partner
with Mr. Kellogg, who afterwards had the principal management of it.
After Mr. Kellogg retired from the office, Seneca Hale became
a partner. The interest in the office was soon after transferred
to Daniel Clark, who changed the name to "Onondaga Herald," first number
issued October 28th, 1818. It was afterwards called "The Times,"
published weekly. It was continued about three years, after which
the "Onondaga County Republican" was edited and published by Thurlow Weed,
now editor of the Albany Evening Journal. The first number was issued
June 27th, 1821. Mr. Weed continued his paper about three years.
The "Onondaga Republican" was next published by Laurin Dewey, first number
issued 27th October, 1824. The "Manlius Repository" succeeded it
and reached its fifth volume under the direction of Luman A. Miller, and
for a time under Mr. Stillson. Mr. Fonda published the "Onondaga
Flag" a very short time.
The only stream of water of any magnitude in this town is the Limestone Creek, which runs from south to north across its whole extent, till it forms a junction with the Chittenango, at Matthews' Mills. Upon this stream are many saw mills and grist mills, one woolen factory and two cotton factories, the only ones of the kind in the county. It may be said of this stream as of many others, that during the summer months, the quantity of water passing through its channel, is not near as great as it was twenty years ago, owing probably to the clearing up and draining of numerous little swamps at its source, which once acted as reservoirs, and fed it by gradual drainage during the heat of summer, and the soil is not as retentive of moisture since it has been cleared as it was when in a state of nature.
There are two incorporated academies in town for male and female pupils, both enjoying their proper proportion of the Literature Fund, and subject to the visitation of the Regents of the University. Considering that these academies are located in country villages, they are well sustained by the communities which surround them.
There are twenty-four school districts and joint districts in town, and from reports of Common School Superintendents, the attention which is paid to this important branch of education, is highly creditable to the inhabitants, and much improved within the last few years.
DEEP SPRING.--(Indian name, Te-ungh-sat-a-yagh.)--This is a curiosity which once possessed considerable notoriety. It is situated on the county line, near the Seneca Turnpike, east from Manlius Village, about three and a half miles. The cavity is circular, about sixty feet in diameter at top, drawing nearly to a point at bottom, tunnel shaped, and about thirty feet deep. A copious stream of water issues from the rock on the east side, except in season of severe drought, when its size is much diminished. It glides along the bank, from half way own the side, and looses itself at the bottom. Large trees have grown on the side, forming an impenetrable shade in summer. These are literally covered with the names, and initials of names of persons who have visited it from the time of its first discovery, till post coaches were withdrawn from the road; since which time, visitors have been far less frequent, and now have almost entirely disappeared. One of the dates on an ancient beech tree, is 1793. The Indian path from Oneida to Onondaga passed near it, as did the first laid out road through the county. It is noted on all the old maps, published by the Surveyor General, and was the starting place of all the old surveys of the Oneida Reservation, and was a noted watering place for persons moving to the western country, as well as for those who settled near it. Thousands visited this spring in early times as a curiosity, and to taste its pure and sparkling water.
It has been often related by an Oneida Indian called Peter, that in the time of the Revolutionary war, a small party of Indians surprised six white men at this spring, who had descended it to drink. They are supposed to have been a scouting party from Fort Schuyler. They were much frightened at the appearance of the Indians, who found them perfectly defenseless, having left their arms on the bank above. As the Indians approached for the same purpose, and neither mistrusting the presence of the other, it may be supposed that both parties at first, were not a little surprised. The Indians, however having every advantage, instantly recovered themselves, gave a terrific yell, encircled the brink of the spring, and as the terrified soldiers attempted to pass them, they were struck down with tomahawks and scalped. This catastrophe had such an effect upon the mind of Peter, who was one of the party, that it never ceased to haunt him while he lived. He used to say with peculiar emphasis, "It is the only deed I ever committed which the Great Spirit has never forgiven me." At the time, he felt so much remorse that he buried his shirt, which had been sprinkled with the blood of one of the victims. Many tragic scenes have undoubtedly been enacted in this vicinity, for it was no uncommon occurrence to find arrow heads, hatchets, bullets, bayonets and other war-like implements in the immediate neighborhood of this spring. There is a tradition that a severe battle was fought there between the whites and Indians during the Revolution. (See life and writings of De Witt Clinton, by W. W. Campbell, page 185.) It is now owned by Mr. Thomas A. Clark. Wm. W. Sayles kept a tavern near it, in 1794. There is a traditionary account of the passage of a detachment of General Sullivan's army through the Onondaga country, south of the Onondaga castle. It is said that a sharp skirmish was fought between this party and the Onondagas, near La Fayette, where a small Indian settlement was destroyed, and that they passed a night on the flat near the deep spring.
During the period of the early settlement of the country, foolish and infatuated men conceived the idle notion that near this spring, large treasures of gold and silver had at some previous time been secretly buried. Several places were selected as imagined depositories of hidden wealth. Hundreds of holes were dug in different places where their mysterious mineral rods pointed out the identical spot where the precious metals were hid. Their work was always conducted in the night. One of the grand secrets of their art was, that in digging, the person at work must not look from the place where the supposed treasure lay, and during all their operations must keep the most profound silence. If a word was spoken, or an eye lifted from the spot, the treasure was sure to vanish.
ICE HOLE.--There is a large cavity in the rocky ledge, north of the residence of David Moulter, near the south-west corner of lot sixty-nine, which becomes filled with ice during winter. Owing to the depth at which the congealed mass lies, (being some fifty or more feet below the surface,) and the rocky precipice facing to the north, the sun and warm weather make but a faint impression upon it during the summer season. Tavern keepers and others from Manlius Village, in olden times, used frequently to resort to it for the purpose of obtaining the cooling crystal, which was often removed in large quantities, for use, on public occasions. Many a tumbler of punch has been cooled on fourth of July celebrations with ice procured from this cavern. There is a similar "Ice Hole" north-west from the old church, east of Jamesville, on lot eighty-two, some sixty feet below the surface of the earth, where ice of excellent quality may be always obtained.
WATER FALLS.--There are two considerable falls of water in this town, one on the east and the other on the west branch of the Limestone Creek, south from Manlius Village, about one mile. The fall on the east branch is somewhat larger and affords excellent sites for mills and machinery, and has been more or less improved since the first settlement of the town. Now owned and occupied by Samuel L. Edwards, Esq. The channel at the edge of the precipice, is about forty-five feet broad, and the breadth of the rocky chasm below, is about one hundred and sixty feet; the water falls somewhat broken, about sixty-five feet, and above the falls, the rapids fall some twenty feet more, making in all, about eighty-five feet. The chasm widens to the north-west. The banks are rocky and precipitous, formed of different strata of limestone. These falls are considerably resorted to by parties of pleasure during the summer months.
The falls on the west branch of the Limestone, are nearly of the same height as those on the east branch. The stream is not as wide, nor does as much water flow over the precipice. It is a place of considerable resort for visitors, for picnic parties, and frequently for large religious meetings.
GREEN POND.--There are two bodies of water called by this name in the town of Manlius, three and a half miles north from the village, on lot fifty-six. The upper one is nearly circular, about one hundred rods in diameter surrounded by hills varying from fifty to a hundred feet in height. In some places approaching the lake abruptly; at others, with a beautiful slope. A dense evergreen wood skirts it on all sides, the shadow of which is beautifully reflected from the soft green mirror like appearance of the water. It is said the waters of these lakes differ from those of Scotland, Switzerland and other elevated portions of Europe. There, the surface is said always to present a bright silver like appearance. This difference may be accounted for, in the different qualities of the waters. The depth of the lake may be from one hundred to two hundred feet. Its surface is about six feet below the surface of the Erie Canal. There are deep sinks or caverns in the surrounding hills in all directions, varying from ten to thirty feet in depth. These hills are all filled with gypsum, which may be dug at any place in any quantity. The sides of this lake are formed in a secondary deposit of red shale, covered with a greenish white marl. The trees that have fallen into it are whitened by a limelike deposit. The bottom is covered with a dark brown marl, and the waters at the bottom are said to be highly charged with sulphureted hydrogen, without any saline properties. It is excavated in the lower part of the second deposit of the Onondaga salt group, and the red shale below that deposit. This lake is forty-four feet above the level of Onondaga lake, and is of importance, showing that deep excavations exist along the range of gypseous deposit, and that the excavation of Onondaga valley is not an anomalous one. Professor Silliman, in one of his journals, thus speaks of this lake: "The bottom is a grass green ferriferous slate; the sides white shell marl, and the brim black vegetable mould; the waters perfectly limpid. The whole appears to the eye to be a rich porcelain bowl filled with limpid nectar. But to the taste it is the true Harrowgate water, and readily convinces the visitor of the correctness of its name--Lake Sodom."
The shores are remarkably bold. There is no inlet above ground to this lake, and but a very small outlet at the east side, which connects it with the other green pond, about half a mile below. There are several kinds of fish found in these ponds, but they are so scarce and shy, that the taking affords but little sport; various aquatic plants, and many perfect petrifications of plants and leaves, are found along its shores. It is a place of considerable resort in the summer season, and well repays the visitant for his pains. The lower Green Pond so nearly resembles the one just described, that a description of it would be a mere repetition. Dr. L. C. Beck, (Nat. His. St. N.Y.) thus speaks of this lake: "Water drawn from the depth of one hundred and sixty-eight feet, was found to be strongly charged with sulphureted hydrogen. On being afterwards tested, it blackened silver powerfully, and gave copious precipitates, with solutions of oxalates of ammonia and muriate of barytes, indicating the presence of sulphureted hydrogen and sulphate of lime. Its specific gravity was scarcely above distilled water, and contained not even a trace of oxide of iron. Thus we have here a spacious sulphur bath, a fact which exhibits, in a most striking manner, the extent and power of the agency concerned in the evolution of this gas."
MINERAL SPRINGS.--There is a sulphur spring of considerable power, a short distance south of Manlius Village. It has a strong sulphurous taste; the water is perfectly limpid, emitting a strong sulphurous odor. It has been analyzed, and is said to contain sulphureted hydrogen, a small portion of carbonic acid, sulphate of soda, sulphate of magnesia, carbonate of iron and carbonate of lime, and is considered beneficial in cutaneous diseases and highly diuretic. Tufa and excellent specimens of petrifications, are found in the vicinity of this spring.
About a mile north-west of Manlius Village are three springs very near each other, all of which are feebly charged with sulphureted hydrogen; have also a slightly saline taste, and contain sulphate of magnesia. Temperature usually about forty-eight degrees Fahrenheit. A milky deposit is apparent where the stream passes off. Many persons are said to have received benefit from bathing in the waters. They cleanse and purify the skin, and are considered useful in many cutaneous diseases. They have, at a former period, been considerably resorted to, and have acquired some reputation in the vicinity. Sometimes called Elk Horn Springs and Balsley's Springs.
According to the census of 1845, Manlius has the following statistics:--
Total population, 5,602; persons subject to military duty, 520;
number of voters, 1,243; aliens, 128; number of children attending Common
Schools, 1,150; acres of improved land, 20,483; grist mills, 7; saw mills,
14; fulling mills, 2; carding machines, 2; cotton factories, 2; iron works,
1; asheries, 1; clover mill, 1; tanneries, 4; Churches--Baptist, 2; Episcopalian,
2; Presbyterian, 2; Methodist, 4; Roman Catholic, 1; Academies, 2; Common
Schools, 22; Select Schools, 3; taverns, 19; stores, 14; groceries, 21;
farmers, 633; merchants, 25; manufacturers, 15; mechanics, 309; lawyers,
11; clergymen, 16; physicians, 9.
*During the war of the Revolution, Robert Wilson accompanied his uncle, Captain Gregg, to Fort Schuyler, and was desirous of accompanying him at the time he was shot and scalped, but on account of his youth, (only thirteen years of age) and the apparent danger, was not permitted. He was appointed an ensign at the age of eighteen, and soon after received a lieutenant's commission, and served through the war--was at the taking of Cornwallis, and was ordered to superintend the receiving of the British standards, forty-eight in number. When the officers of the British army were drawn up to present their colors, as many American sergeants were directed to secure them. The British officers refused to deliver them into the hands of non-commissioned officers, and Colonel Hamilton, seeing the confusion and delay, ordered Lieutenant Wilson to receive them and pass them to the hands of the sergeants, which he did by passing between the two ranks from one end to the other, to the satisfaction of all. (Wilson's own relation to E. W. Clarke.)
Submitted 21 August 1998